Monday, October 28, 2013

You can
call me a counselor, a shrink, a psychiatrist or even an agony aunt. It is up
to you and will not affect me. I am not one of those who have big consulting
rooms with flashy boards and upholstered furniture. I don’t flaunt my degrees
to impress my clients and attract them. Instead I seek them where they are and
who are mostly abandoned by family and society. They live their own lives in a
cocooned corner of drugs, alcohol or whore houses. It is easy to spot them and
you don’t need any special skill.

I leave
my home at 9 am in the morning to go on my daily rounds to the park, mall,
bars, drug hide outs, red light areas and isolated places even funeral homes.
In what I consider a social work, I don’t need well-cut suits and expensive
leather bags. I am content with my rather old blue serge jacket and slightly
faded jeans. I do not pay much attention to my looks and I am aware the long
hair needs a cut. My work is important to me and not my appearance. I cast my
look across the places I visit. I can invariably find the individual(s) who
need my professional help.

I was
in a large grocery store where I found this middle aged man with bloodshot eyes
filling the basket with half a dozen bottles each of whiskey and beer, vodka
besides I think rum and tequila. There was also a lone bottle of wine. You
don’t need any further proof of this man’s addiction to liquers.No one buys so
much unless he is a alcoholic. I gently approached him and smiled at him. He
returned the smile but continued to look for some other variety. I coughed
slightly and when he turned I said “liquor is harmful and it is difficult to
break the habit. Not so much at one go.”

He
ignored me. I considered it my societal responsibility to wean him away from
this weakness.

“If you
can spend 30 minutes with me, I can cure you of this dependence without any
obligation for I consider this as my duty to society” I said softly.

He
looked at me contemptuously and bawled out “What shit are you taking? Get lost
before I lose my temper”

Even as
I was saying “Do not get upset. I am aware it takes long time to break the
habit”, he punched my nose hard with blood oozing out. In a short while the
security led me out with a warning not to harass customers. I do not get
disheartened by such violent rages or failures in my attempts. I keep looking
for the next client.

With a
band aid on my bloody nose, I happened to see a zombie sitting on a bench and
smoking what I was certain hash. I went closer and as I feared, his eyes had a
vacant look and his cheeks were shrunk. He was oblivious of my presence close
by his side or my salutation. It was evident he was hooked to drugs. I could
sense a sweaty smell of one who had no shower for a week or more. He moved away
from me. I do not give up easily and followed him.

“Leave me
alone. Why are you stalking me? I have no money with me” he said with some
irritability

“Cool
down, I have gone through this hell but could shake it off though with
difficulty” I said gently.

“What
do you want? What are you talking about?”

“Let us
sit down for a while. But tell me what are you into, Ice, LSD, cannabis, opium
or ecstasy or any such stuff? I have done all these. I know you get high, into
a world of heaven if you have a female partner to boot. I have come to save you
from the hell you are sliding into.”

“You
wish to save me, yes by all means. I have been without a job for four months
and need one immediately. Can you fix it? My wife and child are starving” he
said

“I have
heard this refrain countless times. Come on, let us go and sit on the bench
over there” I said in persuasive manner.

The man
pushed me down and started hitting me with such ferocity for a weakling like
him. Soon a crowd gathered to save me with a policeman also joining. After
hearing him and despite my protestations that I was trying to help him, the
police took me to the station and look at the irony, searched me to see whether
I carried any drugs. After confining me for the whole day they sent me away
with a warning not to harass people with my help.

I was
disillusioned and remained at my place for two days. Then on the evening of
third day I went round the bazaar area around 8pm. It is not far from the red
light area and was busy with people. I saw a good looking well built young
woman standing under a lamp post. She wore jasmine on her head and the large
bindi went well with her round face. She looked decent. I wondered why she was
standing there like ‘other’ women. I wished to check whether she needed my help
despite the warning from police.

“Why
are you standing here alone at this hour?”I asked

She did
not answer. When I repeated the question she said “I am waiting for my man”

I
assumed she stuck to one person unlike others and said “Glad that you are
sticking to one man unlike others of your type. Even then it is a vice. Better
get married to him instead of standing here daily’

She let
out a shriek saying ayyo when a two wheeler with a man and a girl of 6 years
with a bottle of coke screeched to a halt before us.

“What
happened?” he asked

“This
idiot thinks I am a woman of shady character waiting for some customer.”

Soon
there was a crowd and some manhandling and I was taken to the police station.
They did not let me go home this time.

Someone
came next day and talked to me about the incidents. When I told him in detail
that I am a counselor doing social work voluntarily in saving people caught in
vices, he laughed aloud. He asked me lots of questions and had my blood sample
taken.

I overheard
that man telling the inspector “That smelly guy needs a shrink as he is
slightly deranged and suffers from hallucination that he is a doctor. May be he
also requires de-addiction and some medication for an acquired ailment.”

Now I
am in a mental hospital and the fun of it is doctors are treating me. I laugh
at them but revel at the opportunity to help the large number of inmates here.
The moral I learnt is never do anything free as you are mistaken for a fake.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

It is
my lot to work in the minister’s secretariat. I have had no problem with his
predecessors as I was not intrusive. Trouble started with this new minister who
had shady past.

Last
week a businessman was in his room. I had to go in to announce the arrival of
some media personnel just as a suitcase was being delivered. His face turned
red.

Today
he was with his lady officer specifically forbidding anyone inside.
Unexpectedly his wife came and barged in without my permission. When I heard
the shocked scream, I knew it was my last day there.

Written as a part of 100 words on Saturday 7 at Write Tribe. The prompt being I knew it was my last day there.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Ranjan is a loving husband and an
affectionate father to his two children. He invariably spent quality time with
his wife Sunita and children whenever he was in Delhi, his head quarters. He
enjoyed taking them to top class eating places, cultural programmes, picnic
spots, watching TV with them or playing board games on holidays.

Being a vice president of marketing, his
job took him on tour of a day or two for more than fifteen days a month. A
jovial and handsome personality with a gift of the gab, he was given to amoral
tendencies when away from home. He had kept this weakness of his unknown to his
wife or colleagues. He had come to Mumbai from Delhi in the morning for a long meeting
that day. He had booked his flight the next day evening. One even suspected whether he arranged his
flights in such a manner to have a long day free. After a discreet call from
his mobile the next day morning, Priya arrived at his room by 10am. She had
come a few times earlier. Ranjan took a special liking for her who was in her
early thirties but maintained a trim figure. A very passionate lover she gave
him pleasure more than the money’s worth. They spent the whole day enjoying
each other’s company. When it was nearing 3pm she readied herself to leave.

She saw on the table a box containing an
attractive Freshwater cultured pearl strand and Bracelet set and let out a cry
‘wow’. Pretty, a heart-shaped clasp in sterling silver accent, each piece is an
ideal gift for a young woman. Ranjan was in such a satisfied and happy frame of
mind that he readily offered it to her without a second thought as his memento
for the company given. She was so overwhelmed with this unexpected gift she
smothered him with kisses and hugs and reluctantly left. He had bought this set
to surprise his wife but decided to buy something else in lieu.

He made a call to his old buddy Saxena
whom he had not met for almost five years after the latter’s marriage. Ranjan
agreed to meet him at his office around 4 PM on his way to airport. Saxena had
put on lot of flab and was very obese for his age. After the initial
pleasantries, Saxena sighed and said “I envy you. You still maintain a handsome
figure and look a lot younger than your age. I could see you are enjoying your
life to the brim.” Ranjan nodded his head in affirmative.

Saxena continued,” You are already in a
senior management position at this young age. You have a pretty and loving wife
and two children .What more does one want in life than a loving wife who can
give her time and company to her husband when he returns home after a heavy
day?"

“Why, what is the matter with you? You
have told me that you have an attractive and talented wife though I haven’t met
her.”Ranjan knew they had no children but felt this did not in any way affect
the bond of love between the couple.

Saxena said “True, she is beautiful. How
does it help? We lead a humdrum life devoid of love and affection. We respect
each other and appear happily married. She is frigid and gets stiff whenever I
approach her that even our occasional physical relations are mechanical. I am
no doubt fat and clumsy for the slim and energetic woman that she is. I get out
of breath even on slightest exertion. I come home tired most of the days after
hard day’s work in a famished condition and after a heavy dinner doze off to
sleep. She watches serials or keeps chatting with her friends on mobile or on
internet."

“What does she do in the afternoons”
Ranjan asked.

He replied “No idea may be she is visiting her
friends or attending kitty parties. I think she also helps blind students
reading lessons. But she makes it a point to be back by 6pm when I return from
office. She is otherwise very loving and ensures that I am well fed. She does
not bother me with petty household problems. Perhaps she is missing children.”

Ranjan sympathized with him and
suggested that he consult a doctor to reduce his weight and increase his zest
for life. He took leave of him promising to visit him at his house next time.

When Saxena reached home at 6-15 he found his
wife listening to music and in a happy mood. She came rushing towards him and
hugged him. The maid brought tea and snacks. As he settled his heavy body on
the easy chair, she came close to him and snuggled.

“How was the day? Could you read the
lessons to the students at the blind home? How was the baby shower at your
friend’s place?” he asked.

“I had a very enjoyable day after a long time
at my friend’s place. Look at this set. I got this for a steal. Do you think
this will give me a lift?” she replied producing the open box containing the
cultured pearl set.

“Wow, how gorgeous you would look in
them” he said as he kissed her hand.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

“Amma,
I don’t want to take ordinary graduation course. I wish to do engineering in
computer science. I have topped the school and my admission letter has been received.
We have only to pay the fees by month end” pleaded Janaki

“.
Don’t I know you are very smart? I am also feeling frustrated that our
financial circumstances do not permit us to do what we wish. Where can your dad
go for the astronomical fee that we have to pay? Be understanding, my dear
child. God willing, you can succeed in any line” said Lalitha

Aware that her dad held
a small position with monthly income hardly adequate to make both ends meet,
Janaki quietly started moving to her room, when her mom said “Come with me to
the temple. I am sure goddess will listen to our prayers.”

“No,
amma.I am not coming. Please allow me to stay at home”

“It
is alright.I will be back in 30 minutes. Switch off the cooker after three
whistles.”

It
is not a big temple but had several sanctums for Kothandaramar, the presiding deity,
His consort Janakavalii, Anjaneyar and some minor deities. Lalitha visited the
temple daily at 11am.She spent longer time praying before the goddess .It was
not crowded except on weekends or festive days. She would pour out to the
goddess her disappointments, grievances, her wishes and even share the little
joys as one would do to one’s bosom friend. Once done, it would lighten her
heart immediately.

This
day she pleaded with Goddess her helplessness and deep disappointment in not being
able to meet with legitimate aspiration of her only daughter. It was not that
she expected Goddess to fulfill her desire by a miracle but only to salve her
troubled mind. Once done with moist eyes she turned to go back home.

It
was then she heard a voice” Can you help me get up, young lady. I feel giddy”
It was from an old lady of about 80 seated against a pillar. She was well
dressed in traditional nine yards with some jewelry and seemed affluent.Lalita
saw her almost daily but never spoken to her. She rushed to her side, held her
in arms and slowly lifted her up.”Patti (grandma) how can you go alone? Can I
drop you in your home in auto?”

“That
is not necessary. Take me to the entrance. I am fine now”

As
both came out Lalitha asked “Are you far from temple? How will you go? I can
safely escort you. Do not feel obligated”

The
old woman smiled as a big car drew near the entrance and a driver held her hand
towards the car. Before getting in, she said “You are so sweet and lovable.
What is your good name? We will meet daily here“

In
a week they became close to each other but Lalitha never discussed her personal
matters. One day as they came out of temple, the old woman expressed a desire
to visit Lalitha’s house that day itself if it was on ground floor. Lalitha
felt shy of taking her to her small portion on the side of a house. It was
three roomed portion with a small hall, smaller bedroom and very small kitchen.
The hall did the duty of drawing room living room and dining space. The house
was faded in colour and dark. She could not refuse as the old lady directed the
driver to take them to Lalitha’s place.

Lalitha
hurriedly put a stool for the lady to sit and brought a glass of cool water.
The old lady could see poverty writ large in the house. She drank the full
glass of water and seemed pleased. She saw a young girl of around 18, lean and
emaciated.

The
old lady asked the girl “Are you Lalitha’s daughter? What is your name? Where are
you studying?”

“I
am Janaki.I have finished 12th and topped the school. I don’t know
what I will be doing.”

“What
a funny answer. Have you applied in any engineering or medical college? If you
are good at studies they would be willing to offer you a seat”

“I
have received admission for BTech in computer engineering from XYZ college.Amma
wants me join ordinary graduation course in a nearby college.”

“Lalitha,
what is this your daughter telling? When is the last date for payment?”

“True
Patti. The last date is month end but we cannot afford even ordinary graduation
course. She can succeed in life even without an engineering degree if god wills
it”

“I
understand your difficult position. Let Kothandaramar and Janakavalli bless her”
Patti said before she took leave of them.

Patti
was not seen the next day and succeeding week. Lalitha got concerned and asked
the temple manager whether he knew why patti was not visiting.He said that the
old lady had fever initially, then a stroke and is bed ridden. I do not think
she will be coming”

“Mama
(uncle), do you know where she lives? I wish to go and meet her” He gave her
the address. When she went straight from temple to the place that was closeby,
she found a very large bungalow sitting deep inside a large ground. The gate
was guarded by security.

As
she was standing hesitantly near the gate, the security asked her what she wanted.
She said” I came to meet the old lady whom I meet daily at the temple since she
has not been coming for a few days”

The
security took her name and came out with a young lady of her age.”Patti has had
a stroke. She cannot speak and her left side is paralysed.She is mentally alert.
Her eyes brightened when I mentioned Lalitha from the temple. You can just see
her for a couple of minutes.”

As
she entered the room, Patti made an effort to smile and with eyes beckoned her
near her. Lalitha could hardly control the tears flowing from her eyes even as
she caressed patti’s arms. Patti asked with her right hand by sign why she had
not brought her daughter”

“Patti,
I will surely bring her tomorrow. I will pray for your recovery to the goddess.
I want you back at the temple daily as before” Lalitha said

Lalitha
could discern tears from patti’s eyes even as she was led out of the room.

The
next day when Lalitha went with her daughter, she saw dozens of cars inside and
outside the house. She knew something was amiss when the security approached
her and conveyed the demise of the old lady the previous night.

Crying
inconsolably Lalitha returned home with her daughter when a courier boy was
waiting with a letter for Janaki.It was from XYZ College informing her about receipt
of fees in full for four years as also the college bus charges from a
benefactor who wished t to be unknown and that she can join the college on the
scheduled date. She would also be entitled to some scholarship

Lalitha
wailed aloud with tears at the thought of the kind soul that had bestowed this
bounty on her daughter out of great compassion.Whether the happy denouement was
due to Lalitha’s daily prayers to goddess or the generosity of the old lady is beyond
the purview of this story.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

The sky was
overcast and it was windy too.Vanamali went to the window overlooking the
backyard to close it. He saw his wife Vasuki standing about five feet away from
a big anthill at the corner of their fenced compound. She was looking at the
anthill intently. A newly married, he wondered why she went near it. He had
seen some neighbourhood ladies coming and pouring milk inside it on some
special occasions. But this day was no such one. He rarely went to backyard
much less near the anthill. He suspected some snakes were inside it. When he
wanted to have it removed years back, his mother had dissuaded him saying that
it was there since his grandfather’s days and that no harm would come to
anyone. She also warned him that if it is removed there would be a curse with no
progeny in the family He was still scared and was wondering why his wife had gone
there.

Vasuki was tall,
very slim and lithe in her movements. She had long hair coming up to hips and
walked very gracefully like an accomplished dancer. Extremely fair she
had narrow but long eyes that were very black. She looked beautiful even from distance.
He called her “Vasuki, why you are standing near the anthill? It is getting dark.
Come away” She was so engrossed, he had to repeat before she turned and looked
at him with a weird expression.

“Don’t you know snakes
are inside it? Infact I would have shifted long back but for this being
ancestral house”

“What if, the snakes
do not harm anyone unless they see a threat?” she replied

He did not pursue
the subject but was a trifle intrigued at her response. A week later on a
Sunday afternoon; they were watching TV in the living room. A strange smell
assailed his nose and he turned to look around. He saw a cobra inside the hall
with its raised hood staring at them. Immediately he jumped up on the sofa and
cried out to her to do likewise. He turned to find a stick or something long to
beat it. Holding his hand and dissuading him from such foolish thing she said ”Don’t
panic. Just stay put. I will handle this”

She stood where she
was a few feet away from the cobra and looked at it intently even as it stared
at her. Though for a few minutes, it looked like eternity before the reptile
slithered its way out through the door. Dumbstruck at her unflustered reaction
and unaware why the snake receded as if commanded, he asked her “Aren’t you
afraid of snakes? How do you know by staring at it, the cobra would go back?”

She did not reply
but looked at him with a smile in her face. He felt some strange fear creeping
him but continued watching the TV for a while before switching it off. He asked
her to come out for walk but she declined. He went out pondering over the incidents.
He was ill at ease and not comfortable.

That night as they
were in bed, she snuggled close to him, put her arm around him and leg on his
and brought her face close to his. He saw her glistening dark narrow eyes with
a twinkle close to him when a chill went through his spine. He pushed her away
but she was in no mood to let him go and enwrapped his body to bring it closer.
He let out a shrill ‘No’ and moved away as if in front of danger.

“What is it? We are
hardly married for six months. Why are you doing it to me? I have been seeing
you behaving strangely since a few days and looking at me as if I am a weird person” she
asked.

He kept quiet for a
while and when prodded for an answer, he said “Nothing like that, I am tired
today.”

She turned to the
other side while he too turned. This went on for a few days and there was no
discussion on this. She cooked the food, he went to office, watched TV and
everything was done in routine. There was no quarrel but the intimacy was absent.
In the nights when they slept in the same bed, he was like a scared animal
keeping his distance away.

One night he
suddenly woke up and found Vasuki looking at his face intently from close
quarters. The glassy black eyes that flitted from one side to the other
reminded him of the cobra. As he tried to get up, she pushed him down and
kissed him on his lips. A shudder passed through him even as his body shivered.”Be
quiet. Why are you like this? Am I not your wife? Hug me and kiss me. It has
been several days since we had been intimate”

“No, leave me alone.
I beg of you. I am scared” he cried like a child.

“I think you need
to see a shrink. Something is bothering you and you are not open” she said looking
at him with contempt as she left the room with a pillow in hand.

The next day Vanamali
during lunch time asked Ashok, his close buddy, “Do you believe it is possible
for a snake to take human form?”

That friend was
shocked at such a stupid question and asked him “What has gone wrong with you?
Have you been seeing some Vittalacharya’s films?” Vanamali gave a wry smile and
did not pursue the conversation.

The next day around
11 am someone came rushing to Ashok and said “Have you heard the tragic news?
Our colleague Vanamali was bitten by a cobra last night and had died”

It hit like a
sledge hammer as Ashok recalled the question Vanamali had asked the day before.
He rushed to Vanamali’s house. There was a small crowd of neighbours. Someone said
“It is unusual for a cobra to bite on his lips. There were two distinct marks.
The cobra must have crept to the bed. Normally the snake bites the legs. I think
Vanamali has beaten the snake dead before he passed out. The cobra was lying
there dead with blood all over”

“What about his wife?
Where is she? She must know what had happened” asked Ashok

“No, she is not seen.
The neighbours say they saw her even late at night at the back yard. But she
had vanished. It looks strange. The police are expected any moment”

Ashok was in a
quandary whether the dead cobra could be Vasuki.A shudder passed through his
spine too..

Saturday, October 12, 2013

It was dusk and getting dark. I was
standing on the bridge over the river watching the gurgling water and enjoying with a tinge of sadness the
fading skyline. The park in the distance with dazzling lights and varied plants
and flowers looked alluring. A boat was seen swiftly moving down the river splashing water along. I had
no interest to rush home as my wife was away at her parent’s place. She was
expecting.

I heard a soft voice by my side ”Sir,
sorry to disturb you. Are you inclined to see a little magic?”

Startled I turned around to see a middle
aged man in a much worn out jeans and a faded T-shirt with a coat that had seen
much decay. His face was slightly long but there was a twinkle in his eyes
suggesting a pleasant personality behind. He wore a Hawaii chappal that must
have been in long use.

I asked him “What do you want?” even as
I put my hand in my trouser pocket looking for small change.

He smiled at me saying ”Please don’t bother.
I am not a beggar seeking alms. I just wished to show you a magic if you are in
a mood to witness.”

Feeling bad that I had hurt him I said
“Why not? I would love to see your trick”

“Good. Give me a ten rupee note. I will
transform it into a beautiful butterfly” he said with a faint wink of his eye.

Intrigued as I was as how he can change
a tenner into a butterfly, I played along and proffered a ten rupee note
watching his movements carefully. I thought I heard a sweet humming tone and as my attention
was distracted for not more than a second, he produced a multi hued butterfly
in his hands with the tenner vanishing in thin air. The insect fluttered its
multi colored wings as he handed it over to me. I was bemused and totally taken
by surprise by the sleight of his dexterous hands.

I asked him “Where is the ten rupee
note?”

“It is in your hands, sir in the form of
butterfly” he replied with a smile.

As I sheepishly smiled back at my naivette,
he said he can transform a 100 rupee note into a 500 rupee one. I thought he
did produce a butterfly as promised for a tenner and why not trust him for a
500 rupee note that surely would be in my hands.. Greed overpowered my caution.
I parted with a hundred rupee note.

But this time I decided I would be
extremely careful in focusing all my attention on him. As he took the 100 rupee
note and asked me to watch carefully, I heard for a second a hissing sound of a viper by my
feet and involuntarily I jumped to see nothing near my feet. Meanwhile he held
in his hand a crackling new
500 hundred rupee note. I took it with eagerness and turned it several times.
When I asked him whether he can change one more hundred rupee note, he declined
saying “It is my promise to my guru that I would not use this magic for
profiteering or for personal benefit”

I walked back home happily thinking of
my good fortune. I rang up my wife and told her of my good luck.

It was three days later when I met my
good friend at Adyar and related to him about the man transforming a tenner to
a butterfly, he interrupted me and asked whether I got a 500 rupee note fin
lieu of a hundred. Surprised I asked him whether he had spoken to my wife, he chuckled and said “You are a sucker.
That fellow has been cheating all gullible folks like you. The 500 rupee note
you have is a counterfeit one. Go to bank and check it”

It was then that I remembered the sounds
of the tune and the hiss and became aware he was a ventriloquist too besides
being a magician.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

The large door was pushed open by a
security as I entered the imposing building. I had an appointment for interview
with MD for staff officer’s position for the CEO. It was a middle rung position
that carried enormous clout and influence from what I learnt from insiders. I had
an impressive profile with a famed B school diploma and experience in
leading companies in the industry. I was taken to a large room where five
others were waiting.

I
had a cursory look at them. One was short and stodgy in an ill fitting suit
with buttons at the waist waiting to burst. Another one with two days stubble,
a long side burn with disheveled hair looked like a zombie. There was another
that stood out by his height a six foot plus something, a vacant look and lean
like a scare crow giving the impression of getting blown away by a strong wind.
The fourth seemed to be a character, highly tense biting his nails nonstop and twitching
his lips, possibly worried about the interview. The fifth seemed a bit of a rival
with a smart face but dressed horribly in a hurting yellow shirt, a tie that
was askew in his collar and a trouser that could have been two inches longer. I
am tall, curly hair, square jaw, sharp features and a mix of Hrithik, Salman
and Ranbir all rolled into one and in a smart suit. A popular dude attracting
females like ants to treacle, I had a way to push myself ahead of others in the
work place.

Across the room there was a small table
with one young lady in mid twenties seated in a chair and two other young
things standing by her side. The lady in the chair was strikingly charming but there
was an air of insolence by the way she turned and looked around. A clerk from
HR she must be checking perhaps who had all turned up with the names in a list
in her hand. I was the last to be called by her.

“Your name?” she asked

“Sandip, Sandip Saxena” I said

“Where is your profile, I mean CV?”

“I had sent it when applying. I haven’t
brought it”

“Oh, should you not carry it when
attending interview? If they ask a question about the profile, where will you
refer?” she asked with certain irritability

“I had not thought about it”

“You seem to have a casual air about
this interview and are not adequately prepared” she said

My temper rose as I heard muffled
giggles from other guys and a stony look from the two girls. I thought to
myself why this bitch from a lowly position in HR is making snide remarks. I
quickly controlled my anger and put on a charming smile before saying “I hope
you wouldn’t send me back. As for questions from the interviewer, I can handle him.
Leave it to me and not be concerned”

“Far from it. Why should I be concerned
when in fact you should really be about your gaffe?”

“Measure your words, Miss.As a reception
clerk I would expect of you better civility in dealing with people” I said
curtly and returned to my seat. The girls by her side were gaping at me, when
the young lady left the place insouciantly with a leer in her face.

After about 30 minutes, the girl who
came to announce the commencement of interview said the MD was busy elsewhere
and that CEO would meet the candidates. One by one they were called in an
interval of about 15 minutes and the candidates left by another exit. I was squirming
in my seat waiting for my turn. I rued my forgetfulness to bring the CV and was
seething in anger at the taunt by that young woman.

I was the last to be interviewed and was
not sanguine about the outcome. I wished it ended fast. When I was called in,
as you would have rightly guessed, it was the young lady, who was at the desk
screening candidates’ papers, who was at CEO’s chair. I was shocked and started
perspiring. As I wiped my face and neck with hanky, she said in pleasing voice “Mr.Sandip,
please take your seat. Make yourself comfortable”

As she signaled someone, a glass of cool
water was placed before me. She patiently waited for me to drink the water
before she asked “Shall we start?”

“In your resume on page 2 you have
mentioned about role responsibilities and in the second line you had mentioned…”she
stopped with a mischievous smile in her face.

“What did I say?” I asked

“You should know better” she answered with
a smile that did not fade.

“Sorry Madam. As I had mentioned I
forgot to bring the resume” I replied with my face down

She let out a loud guffaw and said “it
does not matter”

After many searching questions and
answers about the various aspects of my work experience, she asked “how soon
can you join? I need quickly someone to assist me, someone who is not forgetful
but alert. Nothing uncivil I suppose in my expectations”

As I smiled rather foolishly, she extended
her hand and said “I will give you a fortnight. I look forward to a happy and fruitful association with you”

“Sorry Madam, I was indiscreet talking
about incivility. Kindly excuse me” I said

“No, it was your anger that clinched the
position in your favour.I hate timid guys” she remarked and accompanied me up to the foyer as a gesture of goodwill.

Monday, October 7, 2013

With an alcoholic husband Muthu, Muniyamma
worked in four houses to send her daughter Sunita to a good school. She did not
want her to live miserably like her in a hut. Muthu beat Muniyamma every once in a while and took away her
money. Even kerosene for the lamp for daughter was scarce

Sunita came home beaming with a laptop
given as prize for being first.
Unusually smiling, Muniyamma showed it proudly to neighbours, Sunita
reminded her that it needed electricity and net. Muniyamma’s smile disappeared
instantly. Muthu smiled wondering how much money it will fetch for his booze

Written as a part of 100 words on Saturday at Write Tribe. The prompt being every once in a while.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

That was the last local. There were very
few passengers in the train. Ravi had an hour’s journey to make. He chose a
corner of the compartment to snatch some sleep. At the next station someone had
boarded the train and came straight to the corner Ravi had chosen. There were
four or five scattered passengers towards the other end.

“Lucky I could get into this train. I am
told this is the last one”, he said

Ravi just nodded as he did not like this
interruption to his sleep. But the fat man had other ideas possibly wished to
chat during the entire journey.

“Do you take this last train daily? Are you
working somewhere?” he asked.

“Yes, I work in an IT company and
usually take the earlier train. I was held up today”

“Good. I know IT companies pay very well
for the hard work you put in and work only five days. You must be married and
living with your family”

Ravi did not respond and looked out at
the passing lights and cars.

“I am sorry if I had asked you personal questions.
I cannot resist asking as I have one qualified younger sister to be married.”

“It is okay. I am single and living
alone.”

“Where do you live? I am in Egmore”

“I am also in Egmore” Ravi said with a
smile

“Where?”

“I live in the first floor of the house adjacent
to Hotel Simha.It is close to railway station”

“Won’t you be disturbing your land lord going at this
late hour?”

“No, there is separate staircase and
entrance on the side. He may not even know when I come or go.”

“Being alone how do you spend time?”

I have my desktop, laptop, iPad, a small
TV, DVD and musical instruments. I enjoy myself with these” said Ravi

“It is surprising we haven’t met so far.
Any way please excuse me, I have an urgent call to make. Nice to meet you” said
the fat guy

Ravi closed his eyes relieved that he
had been let off by the bore so soon.

A short while later the fat guy dialed
some number and talked almost in a whisper. Ravi thought he was considerate to
him thinking he was asleep.

“Pandi, listen carefully. I am
travelling in train and cannot talk loudly. One guy is beside me sleeping. I
mentioned to you about that house in Ekattuthangal.I went to that area to inspect
as there was some complaint about signal being weak. I assumed it was that
house” and stopped talking turning to Ravi’s side. Finding Ravi sleeping he
continued in very low voice”There was none in that house as no one answered the
bell. I went to the rear side to see whether anyone was there. Finding none and
curiosity overcoming caution, I gently pushed the door. To my great surprise it
opened and the house bore no semblance of occupation.”

Ravi pretending to be asleep strained
his ears to listen as the telephonic talk became intriguing.

“I am telling the truth, Pandi.It is no
reel (imaginary falsehood).I gingerly walked in inspecting each room. They must
be rich with all floors carpeted, top class furniture, curios etc.I was careful
not to touch anything. Are you listening, Pandi? Here comes the important part.
I swear you will not believe what I am going to tell you”

Ravi could not contain his curiosity and
strained every nerve to catch the conversation.

The fat man continued on the phone.”I
went inside one large bedroom. There were three Godrej Almirahs.I suddenly panicked.
What if someone comes and catches me in the house, I wondered. I would be
branded a thief and handed over to police. Then I thought having come this far why
not see a little more. I tried to open one almirah.It did not open. Then I
tried the other. That too did not budge. When I tried the third, lo, it opened.
In my amazement I opened the locker door and that was also unlocked. Believe me,
there were wads and wads of currency notes may be running into several lakhs or
crores in higher denomination. Must be ill gotten money stashed away, I presumed.
I just took two wads .I had an apprehension it could be counterfeit as
otherwise who would leave it unsecured. I closed the doors and left them as it
was wiping the handles of any finger print. Without telling the source, I had
two notes from the bundle checked by my bank friend. He said they are genuine.”

He turned to Ravi’s side and found him
snoring mildly.”Pandi, listen carefully. Tomorrow sharp at 7am we will be there.
As you come from the main road it is Third Street to left. There is a post box opposite
the cream colored house. There are vacant plots on both sides. The fence is
green shrubbery. Bring a sturdy bag with you. We should not be greedy and take
a small portion each time.Good, so you will be there at 7 am sharp tomorrow.”

He saw Ravi in slumber and nudged him
when the train reached Egmore station. Both got down and went their separate
ways.

Ravi set the alarum at 5am and left in
his motorbike by 530 next morning to Ekattuthangal to steal a march over the
fat man and his accomplice .The directions were so clear, he thought, if the
job were done smoothly, he would be rich. He was there by 6 am but could find
no house with vacant plots on either side or one with a green fence and a post
box opposite. Could it be 2nd street or 4th street? He roamed
hither and thither till he finally gave up his hunt.

When he returned home disappointed and
climbed the stairs tiredly, he found to his shock the door ajar and every
little thing in his place taken away.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Grandma was dying. The family physician
who had come to examine her called Rupa aside and said

“Sorry, Rupa, your grandma’s final hour
has come. It is a matter of days, one or two at the most. Pick up courage and
do not break down. Take heart that you have been taking care of her single
handed all these years. But send word to your uncle. If you need any help, you
can call me” said the kind and elderly doctor.

“Thank you doctor for coming. I am really
scared. I am afraid I will be a destitute without her. She is the only person
in the world who is kind to me” she said and started weeping.

“Do not worry as long as I am there. I
will send someone to help you. But your uncle will surely come to take possession
of this house” he said as he patted her comfortingly.

She hurried to grandma’s room and sat by
her side caressing her arm.

“What does he say? the old lady asked
feebly

“It is just old age and extreme
exhaustion, grandma.I will get you some horlicks. You will feel better”

“Rupa, I don’t need our doctor to tell me
that my end is near. My only regret and worry is that I am leaving you alone unsettled
in this wide world.Eversince your parents died in a train accident, I have been
bringing you up. They were both young when they died. My daughter was such an
affectionate and good person. Luckily you have imbibed all her good traits.
Your uncle was all right initially and was very fond of you. He changed after
his marriage and went to live separately. Your aunt never took a liking for both
of us and weaned her husband away from you. They rarely visit me as you know.
Luckily I have a roof and some pension from government that I could take care
of you” she stopped as she started coughing

“Grandma, take rest. We can talk later.
Sleep for a while. I will be here by your side”

“No, I must finish telling you now itself.
Give me some water.” She continued after sipping the water

“The first thing your aunt would do
after I die is to throw you out of this house. She will not allow you to take
anything. My son is henpecked and would not protest. I have spoken to the doctor.
Go to him. He will do the needful. You are qualified and can take up a job.
Find a good man of your choice and marry him.”Grandma could not continue
talking.

“How sweet of you to be so concerned
grandma. I can take care of myself .Do not worry. My only regret is I will miss
you” she said as tears flowed from her eyes

“Do not cry, my dear. It makes me sad. I
wish to die seeing you in smile. One second, lest I forget” she said as she
took from under the pillow a hand bag that was dirty looking and old with sides
in shreds.”Keep it with you safely in your box as a memento. Do not part with
it or tell that I gave you. In case she finds it out and asks tell her it is
yours. Let me sleep for a while. Do not go away. Hold my hand” she said as she
closed her eyes.

That was the last she spoke. A week
later, her aunt said “We are planning to sell this house. Make your own
arrangements after the ceremonies are over.”Her uncle who was standing beside
her did not interrupt her.

Rupa said” I can go now itself and will attend
the ceremonies of grandma daily. Give me 30 minutes to have a wash and take my
things. They are only my daily wear clothes”

“Where will you go? I don’t want others
to blame us that we drove you out”

“I expected this and have taken a room
in our doctor’s house till such time I get a regular place. Thanks for the
concern. I will be here in 30 minutes” Rupa said as she went to her room.

As she came to the hall with a small box
and carry bag, her aunt said rather curtly “Open them and show us what you are
taking”

Rupa could not suppress her tears at the
humiliation but opened the box and bag to empty the contents.”What is that
dirty dog eared bag? Whose is that?”

“It is mine. You can have a look”

“Take it away. Who would touch that
stinking bag? Has your grandma given you anything?”

“Yes in plenty” Rupa replied

“What is that? Show me. I suspected
something like that”

“Nothing tangible. Only her affection”

“Take her abundant affection with you
and get lost” said her aunt in a dismissive way.

The doctor and his wife welcomed Rupa
warmly. After some pleasantries, he asked whether grandma had given her
anything.

“Nothing except a bag, a memento as she
called. But that is my prized possession”

“Can I have a look?”asked the doctor.

He opened the tattered bag and found to
his disappointment that it was empty.

The doctor’s wife wished to see and as
she carefully ran her fingers, she shouted “There is something here. “

They tore the thick inner lining and
found a small key with a note.”My dear Rupa.
Go to ABC bank with doctor. This key is for the locker with a number on it. You
are a nominee. I have bequeathed this large portion of my jewels for you. I
have kept some in the house lest they become suspicious and harass you. Take
doctor’s help. You will have enough to live comfortably. Take up a job.Blessings.Grandma”

Doctor’s wife put her arm around Rupa and
comforted her as she started crying uncontrollably thinking of her grandma’s
concern and kindness.